A Time for Hope (Lexi, #3)(78)

“I might be able to get you an audience with him, although it will cost you.” Alex’s eyes glimmered with mischief.

As alluring as Alex was, the thought of having sex made me want to dry heave, as opposed to actual heaving ‘cause I doubted there was anything left in my stomach. My stomach rolled as he moved his hand down my back seductively. No, I cannot throw up in his lap. That would pretty much ensure we’d never have sex again. How could I even pretend to act sexy when I was fighting a losing battle against my body and the sexist thing I could think of was curling up for a nap? My diminished libido flashed before my eyes. Ok, time to tell Alex. At least then he would understand why I wasn’t dry humping his leg like I usually would after an extended absence.

“Asswipe.” We were interrupted by a loud, incessant knocking at the door.

“Dan?” I shuffled away from Alex, curious as to why there was a commotion in the hall.

“Ignore him,” Alex gently tugged my arm. “I haven’t seen you in a really long time.” His tone did little to disguise his intentions.

“It might be important,” I argued, curious as to the why of the interruption. I must have fallen down some wormhole when I crossed the Mason Dixon line. It was the only explanation I had for willingly engaging in a conversation with Dan, rather than spending time with Alex.

I shuffled tentatively off the bed and dragged myself slowly to the door (I knew any sudden movements would send me reeling), and hoped the ruckus was not going to reward us with a visit from hotel security.

“Douche...” Dan’s voice trailed off. His hand was mid-knock when I opened the door.

“Dan!” I gave him a big welcoming hug, genuinely happy to see him.

“Lexi?” Dan stiffened in my arms, not returning my hug. “Hey, I forgot you, Han and the little dude were coming in today.” He backed away slowly before politely adding. “I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

“Oh Dan, I’m sorry about snapping about you at the airport before you guys left.” I’d felt terrible about our last encounter. Sure, he had been highly inappropriate but that was nothing out of the ordinary. My response had been exaggerated and I hadn’t meant to bite so harshly.

“No, you were right. I was an ass and I’m sorry.” Dan looked nervously over at Alex, the apology obviously solicited and rehearsed.

“Well I guess we’re both sorry then.” I smiled weakly, feeling awkward around the newly polite and considerate Dan. Had I entered into an alternate universe? His humility made me uncomfortable.

“Oh I got you a present, cause I felt kind of bad.” I wandered over to my overnight bag and pulled out a brightly wrapped package.

“For f*cking real?” The real Dan cracked through as he inspected the coloured contents in my hands.

“Yep and I guarantee you’re going to like it.” It wasn’t difficult to buy a gift for Dan, he was predictable and transparent, but hey, that was part of his charm.

Dan glanced over at Alex, almost seeking his permission as his eyes fell to the gift. What the hell had happen between the two of them in my absence?

“Look at me Dan,” I snapped my fingers in front of his face, gaining his attention. “Take it.” I moved the present closer to his hands.

Dan stood still, his hands not reaching for the gift that was within his grasp. His face showed a mix of confusion and torment. He looked over my shoulder at Alex who was standing behind me passively.

“I said, take it Dan!” I angrily pushed the packet closer to his fingers. I was annoyed that Dan was refusing to accept it.

“Ahhhh f*ck!” Dan threw his hands in the air. “I don’t know which one of you is the worse one to piss off. I don’t know if I’m supposed to take the present or not take the present? This shit is making my head hurt.” Dan looked between us in frustration. “Sorry brother but I’ve seen her fly off the handle and I’m not going to risk it again by not taking her present. Besides, I really like presents.” Dan snatched the gift from my hands, unable to resist any longer.

He tore through the colourful paper, no longer at odds with his decision, before he stopped suddenly and inspected the gift it contained.

His smile faltered as he looked down and the gift and then up at me, I thought he might actually cry.

“You… brought me porn?” His voice was barley a whisper as he stroked the DVD case in his hands tenderly.

“Well I assumed you could never have too much.” I shrugged, having not expected such an emotional reaction from Dan.

“Oh Lexi!” Dan threw his arms around me and kissed my cheek, “She brought me porn!” He proudly held up his DVD to show Alex.

“So she did.” Alex raised an eyebrow as he nodded in acknowledgement, a grin spreading across his lips.

“I f*cking love you Lexi. Seriously, I love you!” Dan shook his head to emphasize his words. “Ok, I’m going to go. Leave you guys to it. I got plans.” Dan glanced down at his DVD as he walked hurriedly from the room.

“Dan!” Alex hollered after him, chasing him out into the hall. “Why did you come here in the first place?”

“Oh, shit! Yeah, f*ck!” Dan muttered, running his hand through his hair viciously. “Sound check has moved, we need to go now.” He stared sadly back at the DVD. “Shiiiiiiitttttt.” His plans to get acquainted with Boners and Babes were squashed.